Proposes an error gravity/distribution factor to give a mathematically consistent evaluation method to error analysis. Such an approach assumes that "seriousness" of error is related to frequency of output and not to notions of degree of communicative difficulty. Distribution of error type is also taken into account. (PJM)

Describes how, through the use of two diagrams, one can teach the English present-perfect to Iranian students. One diagram consists of a time-line divided into "past" and "non-past." The other uses an oval to indicate a time-span including the present. Both facilitate comprehension of present-perfect meaning. (PJM)

Outlines a method for teaching writing encourages self-improvement while downplaying competition. The instrument is a scoring grid which classifies and tabulates errors, then assigns values in each of several pertinent categories, based on the student's performance in that category relative to his classmates. Individual and group evaluation is…

A discussion of language judgments, particularly negative judgments of nonstandard variations of English, and the "errors" of speakers of English as a second language. (RM)

Errors made by the foreign language learner are classified and discussed. (RM)

Conclusions reached by recent studies of errors of students learning a foreign or second language give weight to the argument that an error analysis hypothesis could be used as a criterion for preparation of instructional materials. Error analysis reveals the learning strategies and processes in language education. (CHK)

Deals with English stress problems for Iraqis under three main headings: single-stressed words, double-stressed words, and unstressed syllables. While stress in Arabic is predictable, stress in English is not. The Iraqi will transfer native-language stress patterns to English. Errors cause miscommunication and are difficult to pinpoint. (PJM)

Present a study in which Arab subjects were to change 10 English declarative sentences into yes/no questions. Results showed 25.6 percent of the answers were erroneous. An attempt is made to account for the source of error. Most errors were not due to effects of the native language, but to the verb form used. (PJM)

Error analysis has been presented as a means of "finding a shorter way" in the analysis of learners' difficulties in foreign languages. The alternative starts with a comparison of the native and foreign languages in order to predict such difficulties. The two types are complementary rather than mutually exclusive. (Author/MSE)

The limitations of both methods, and their practical applications, are discussed. (RM)